Describing Men.

by Allison
(Corning, New York)

Question Yes, as silly as it sounds to me, I can't describe them. Every time I do I feel I make them too feminine sounding. Especially with their hair style. I get that boys like their hair long but is there an easy, simple way to describe them in general?

Answer: Unfortunately, there's no general way to describe men, or women, or anything for that matter.

The key to description is to find the specific, telling details that make that character unique. You don't need a lot of them, just enough to make each character distinct from the others in you story.

For instance, not all boys have long hair. And the only point to mentioning that one character has long hair would be to set him apart from other characters who do not. If they all have long hair, then long hair would scarcely be worth mentioning.

This is why there's seldom a need to mention that a character has two eyes. It's not distinct. (Of course, if he has one eye or three, or he is the only character who has two eyes, that would be a good telling detail.)

If you want to make the point that your male character is masculine, look for the details that convey masculinity, but also that fit with all the other aspects of that character - his age, social class, occupation, hobbies, attitude towards life, etc.

Of course, there are masculine cliches (a square jaw, stubbled chin, sizable biceps, poor grooming, smelly feet, pot belly, hairy legs, chest, back, etc.), but the trouble with cliches is that they are recognizable and not specific to the way you want to portray your character (and they're not always kind).

Here's another exercise to try. Go to a mall and spend some time watching men/boys go by. For each one, jot down his two or three most striking/unique characteristics (positive or negative). You may only have a few seconds if they're walking quickly, so pay attention to what you notice first about each stranger. Is it something about their clothes, attitude, mannerisms, gestures, facial features, hair, body shape, or how they treat the person they're with? Maybe it's how they talk or what they remind you of.

You should find, if you really look, that your descriptions are all different.

"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but
your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I
understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident
that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards

"Thanks to your
"Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps,"
I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and
went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle
where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to
find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you,
I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic
Ragus

"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and
has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for
making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps
you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton,
U.S.A.

"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head,
but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time.
Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it
does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman

"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins

"I can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful. You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash

"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero